Samir Nasri has hit back at manager Roberto Mancini after the Manchester City boss's quip that he wanted to "punch" the Frenchman due to his inconsistency.

Sir Alex Ferguson has challenged his Manchester United players to bounce back from FA Cup exit by taking City's Premier League crown next Monday.

LIVERPOOL ECHO

Liverpool are to play a game in Thailand this summer as part of the club's pre-season tour.

Steven Gerrard says Liverpool face seven "cup finals" between now and the end of the season, as they look to force their way into the Premier League's top five.

Phil Jagielka says he is ready to play through the pain barrier as he bids to help Everton gatecrash the top four.

NEWCASTLE CHRONICLE

Long-term injury victim Ryan Taylor joins Newcastle United party aboard their flight to Lisbon for Europa League tie against Benfica.

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew promises an improved display against Benfica on the back of his side's surrender at Manchester City.

Paolo Di Canio believes Sunderland's players need to show more fight as they scrap to stay in the Premier League.

THE JOURNAL

Newcastle are planning a clear-out of their squad at the end of the season in response to a disappointing domestic campaign.

EVENING GAZETTE

Jonathan Woodgate feels the painful sting of a Middlesbrough defeat as much as any supporter and has pleaded with the fans not to give up on the team.

Tony Mowbray is refusing to write off Middlesbrough's promotion chances but admits finishing in the top six is now "a big ask".

SUNDERLAND ECHO

Paolo Di Canio's first press conference as Sunderland head coach was dominated by football rather than fascism.

Paolo Di Canio has wasted no time in putting his own stamp on Sunderland and drafted in four of his own backroom staff.

DAILY ECHO

Mauricio Pochettino's Saints have history on their side as they battle to stay in the Premier League

WIGAN EVENING POST

WWigan Athletic goalkeeper Lee Nicholls is wanted beyond the end of the season by Northampton boss Aidy Boothroyd.

James McArthur feels Wigan Athletic passed a very significant mental challenge by seeing off Norwich at the weekend.

BIRMINGHAM MAIL

Aston Villa have now failed to keep a clean sheet for 20 games - and Paul Lambert wants a shut-out when their survival scrap stops off at Stoke this weekend.

Lee Clark pulled no punches after his Birmingham City side fell short when mounting a rescue act in the derby against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

EXPRESS & STAR

Wolves were today sweating on the prospect of losing Sylvan Ebanks-Blake for the rest of the season.

West Brom leading scorer Romelu Lukaku is set to ask Chelsea to loan him out again next season - but the Baggies could still miss out on the teenager.

YORKSHIRE EVENING POST

Leeds United brought an end to Neil Warnock's ill-fated reign at Elland Road last night as a 2-1 defeat to Derby County sparked the club's search for their next boss.

THE PINK UN

Robert Snodgrass wants one collective effort from all of a Norwich City persuasion when Swansea visit Carrow Road to take the club a big step closer to Premier League survival.

NEWHAM RECORDER

New Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio has refused to expand on his political views but denied being racist and said his "best friends" as a player at West Ham, former QPR ace Trevor Sinclair and current Charlton boss Chris Powell, would vouch for him.

READING POST

Reading director of football Nick Hammond has rubbished suggestions that Anton Zingarevich picks which players Reading should buy.

SOUTH WALES EVENING POST

Neil Taylor hopes to step his comeback from a long-term ankle injury when Swansea City Under-21s take on Colchester United at the Liberty Stadium tonight.

THE SENTINEL

Jon Walters insists Stoke will be up for their 'men against boys' relegation clash against Aston Villa at the weekend.

EVENING TIMES

Neil Lennon today revealed he does not expect any restructuring of Scottish football in time for next season.

Ally McCoist hopes Rangers make a rapid return to the top level of the game - for the sake of Scottish football.

THE SCOTSMAN

Vladamir Romanov claims he does not care what price Hearts sell for after losing all his money and assets in the collapse of Ukio Bankas.

ood grief. Someone guessed that the form English player at the moment might be in his national side with some other players? And that's espionage? Now if they discovered that Emile Heskey was going to be in the starting line up.... at right back.... THAT would be espionage. Give it a rest Roy.